Everything You Should Know About Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a maxillofacial surgery that partially replaces the jawbone when it has been damaged or eroded. For the procedure, bone from other regions of the donor’s body is grafted and then implanted to fuse with the existing jawbone. 

Dr. Zamakhchari and Dr. Nasir at Stonewall Dental Associates in Manassas, Virginia, perform general to complex dental procedures including bone graft surgeries to improve their patients’ oral health and quality of life. 

Let’s take a look at what bone grafting entails.

Who Can Get a Dental Bone Graft?

Here are a few of the most common scenarios that require a dental bone graft:

• Gum Disease or Tooth Loss

Gum tissue or tooth loss can sometimes erode part of your jawbone. That’s when a dental bone graft becomes necessary - to stabilize the jaw and help promote better oral health.

• You Need to Get Implants

Jawbone strength and density are essential when you want to get dental implants. Implants support the placement of prosthodontic appliances that promote and improve your oral functionality and your overall dental health. Bone grafting becomes necessary when the bone density cannot support a dental implant. 

• Bone Loss

Lack of proper jawbone structure significantly impacts your appearance. If you have bone loss, a bone graft may become necessary. The procedure can help restore your facial structure and make you look younger.

What Happens During a Dental Bone Graft Surgery?

At Stonewall Dental Associates, bone graft surgery involves the following steps:

• One of our dentists will make an incision into the jaw where the graft is necessary.
• Next, they will take the bone graft from the donor area, ideally from the hips or the tibia.
• Next, our dentist will place the donor bone into the jaw and then sew the surgical area.

Will a Bone Graft Surgery Hurt?

You will be under general anesthesia during the grafting procedure so that you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. You may experience slight discomfort for the next few days, but our dentists will prescribe over-the-counter painkillers to manage any pain.

For more information on bone graft surgery, get in touch with Dr. Nasir or Dr. Zamakhchari at Stonewall Dental Associates. Call us at (703) 368-1000, request an appointment online, or visit our office at 8719 Stonewall Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.